In an era where digital-age sonic explorations frequently tread the line of being overtly polished, Kid Lazuras’ “Utopia” plunges deep into raw emotions, tinged with dark electronica vibes that harken back to the goth rock and post-punk zenith of yesteryears.
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Upon a first listen, the shadowy visuals accompanying the album form a cohesive narrative with the musical journey it embarks upon. Kid Lazuras, a figure amidst the mysteries of forests, seems to explore a gamut of emotions from haunting screams near rivers to meditative solace by waterfalls. It’s a profound tableau that conveys the album’s diverse moods, ranging from raucous defiance to introspective pondering, against the backdrop of modern societal dilemmas.
Originating from Bristol, the album pays homage to the city’s renowned new-wave, electronic, and post-punk lineage. Echoes of iconic Bristolian artists, from Massive Attack to Portishead, can be discerned, painting the “Utopia” canvas with dark electronica vibes. However, where many might falter in borrowing too heavily from the past, Kid Lazuras emerges triumphant, crafting a unique sonic signature.
The opening salvo, “Fall For The Break,” is a poignant intertwining of piano and organ, shadowed by haunting male and ethereal female vocals that hint at the dark electronica vibes that define the album. The narrative unfolds into “Men Of God”, which juxtaposes this soft ambiance with an angrier, potent energy. Its biting lyrics, decrying duplicitous religious figures, are delivered with vehement conviction, supported by a dynamic musical landscape that keeps listeners enthralled.
Perhaps the most emblematic track reflecting Kid Lazuras’s artistic prowess is the single “In Ether”. Its hypnotic female voices envelop listeners in a trance, only to be jolted by a pulsating groove reminiscent of classic Massive Attack, but with an unmistakably modern twist.
The title track ‘Utopia’ is an intricate eight-minute arrangement oscillates between ambient soundscapes and lo-fi guitar strains. It draws parallels with giants like Radiohead, and yet manages to retain its authentic voice. Further into the album, tracks like “All Over Again” spotlight the band’s penchant for blending moody keyboard work with infectious basslines, underpinned by impeccable female vocals that oscillate between delicate timbre and power-packed choruses. Meanwhile, “You Find” revisits the more rock-centric influences, exuding raw energy and showcasing the tight-knit chemistry of the band.
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“Utopia” is a testament to the cyclical nature of music. By its conclusion, with “Words Are Just Another Way,” the narrative returns to its melancholic origins, encapsulating the tumultuous journey undertaken. It’s a harmonious wrap-up to an album that not only celebrates the nostalgia of dark electronica vibes but also innovates within its bounds.
In a nutshell, Kid Lazuras’s “Utopia” is a masterstroke in contemporary music that, while drawing from the wellspring of the past, casts a hopeful eye to the future, symbolizing human resilience amidst adversity.
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